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Four Years Project participants wrap up first year

May 20, 2014

As finals for spring term conclude this week, seven first-year students are wrapping up a year in which they’ve developed academically, socially and (hopefully) organizationally.

Several hundred of their classmates have grown in similar ways, but these seven have shared their stories throughout the school year as part of our Four Years Project. As the name suggests, this group will continue to chronicle its collective Augustana journey for another three years to come.

For those who’ve been following all year and those discovering the Four Years Project for the first time, below is a recap of what our students have been up to. The blogs can be followed directly on Tumblr or via the Four Years Twitter feed.

Emilie Brazinski

Emilie came to Augustana alongside her twin brother, Mike, who plays on the varsity soccer team. Emilie has declared her planned psychology major and joined sorority Zeta Phi Kappa.

She also became a member of the female choir Cantilena Augustana, performing in the Christmas at Augustana show in December.

Kiefer Kious

The first in his family to attend a four-year college, Kiefer has his sights set on medical school. He’s had some ups and downs this year while he pledged his fraternity, Delta Omega Nu, but he rebounded well late in spring term.

This summer, Kiefer will work on improving his standing with the men’s golf team as an employee at the local course in his hometown, Dwight.

Morgan Petriko

Morgan found herself delighted with the Augustana community as part of the swim and equestrian teams. Planning to follow a pre-physical therapy path, she also began work as a student athletic trainer, which she loved. She loved it so much, she wanted to major in athletic training, a major not offered at Augustana.

Reluctantly, Morgan left Augie after winter term and spent the past few months working as a ride operator at Six Flags Great America and finding a new college. Next fall, she will start at Adrian College in Michigan, where she will also ride on a varsity equestrian team.

Danny Watson

Between playing cello and football, Danny kept plenty busy in extra-curricular activities this year. Initially, he was looking at engineering physics as a potential major, but by spring term had shifted more toward a business-communication studies double major.

A music minor is a possibility as well, but more than anyone in this group, Danny doesn’t feel pressed to decide right away and for now is appreciating that the liberal arts “is opening my eyes to different things.”

Jacob Weidner

The out-of-state representative in the group, Jacob chose Augustana in large part because he’s way into the arts but wanted a psychology major. In his frenetic first year, he’s acted in multiple theatrical productions, danced in another and sung with two choral groups.

Recently, Jacob earned a spot in the Augustana Choir, the college's top vocal ensemble, with which he will travel to Sweden next year, following the path of his mom,who twice visited Sweden while attending Augie.

AJ Wright

AJ still has two careers in mind — fighting fires or owning a taekwondo studio — and he’s declared a business major. Outside of class, he’s not staying with the football team, but will continue track, especially after being the Vikings leading shot putter this spring.

Next fall, AJ will begin a stint as a community advisor within a transitional living area. Before that, though, he will head off on his Jewish Birthright trip to Israel this summer.